NRC Bulletin - September 26, 2019

September 2019 NRC Bulletin

September 26, 2019

NRC Updates and Announcements

Registration for the NRC 2020 Conference is open! Early-bird rate ends next Wednesday!

The NRC 2020 conference is January 5th - 8th at the Hotel Del Coronado in San Diego, California. Please click here to register for the conference, and golf tournament or whale watching excursion. Please note, the discounted early-bird rate ends next Wednesday, October 2nd!

The room block at the Del is filling up fast. Click here to book, or call the Hotel Del Coronado directly at 619-435-6611. Be sure to mention the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association (NRC) Conference to receive the discounted room rate.

Additionally, if you would like more information on the NRC-REMSA Exhibition please click here .

For questions regarding sponsorship opportunities, activities, or other conference-related questions, please contact mmcgonagle@nrcma.org.

NRC 2020 Conference Keynote Speaker Announced:

The NRC is pleased to announce Keith Creel, President and CEO of Canadian Pacific, as the keynote speaker for the NRC 2020 Conference! Mr. Creel started his railroading career in 1992 as an intermodal ramp manager, advancing all the way to President and CEO of a Class I railroad in 2017. He was also named Progressive Railroading's "Railroad Innovator" in 2014 and is is one of the foremost authorities in the industry on Precision Scheduled Railroading. Do not miss this opportunity, and register for the conference by clicking here today!

Whale Watching Excursion at NRC 2020 Conference Announced

Sign up for the Whale Watching Excursion at the NRC 2020 Conference! Come aboard one of two 58-foot catamarans for an unforgettable charter adventure. Gray, Finback, and even Blue Whales can be seen during their southern migration down to Mexico, which hits its peak from November to April. Click here to see more online, or fill out this form and email to conference@nrcma.org.

NRC Board of Directors, Staff Attend Railway Interchange in Minneapolis

NRC Chairman Mike Choat, NRC Board Members, and NRC Staff attended Railway Interchange from September 22-25 in Minneapolis, MN. The event was excellent, and the technical presentations were informative. The exhibit hall gave the NRC Board and staff the opportunity to visit members, recruit new ones, and learn about emerging products and technologies. In addition, the NRC was able to participate in a round-table discussion with FRA Administrator Ron Batory and his staff on ways in which the FRA can work with railroad contractor and supplier on new technologies to advance safety and efficiency.

Industry News

Minneapolis council awards Green Line light-rail contract to Aldridge-Parsons JV

The Metropolitan Council in Minneapolis announced it has awarded the Aldridge-Parsons Joint-Venture a $194.4 million contract to build and install systems for a 14.5-mile extension of the Green Line light-rail system. This project is part of the SWLRT project, which by 2023, will have service from Eden Prairie to Downtown Minneapolis.

MTA releases proposed 2020-24 capital plan

MTA released a 2020-2024 capital plan that proposes spending $51.5 billion on the region’s subways, railroads, and buses to create a more reliable transportation system. $37.3 billion will go to the NYCT subway. Work includes track installation/replacement, tie installation/removal, switch replacement, and bridge and tunnel improvement.

Alaska Railroad issues RFQ for dock replacement project

The Alaska Railroad Corp has issued an Request for Qualifications (RFQ) from entities interested in a public-private partnership to replace the aging passenger dock and cruise terminal in Seward, Alaska. The entity chosen will be tasked with providing design, construction, and seasonal operation of the new facility. Company officials plan to have their partner or partners by the end of 2019 and negotiate project details in 2020.

Texas Central signs design-build contract for bullet train project

Texas Central announced earlier this month it has signed a contract with Lane Construction Co., a subsidiary of the Salini-Impreglio joint venture. Salini-Lane will supply the civil infrastructure work, which includes the design and construction of the viaduct and embankment sections along the entire route, installation of the track system and construction of maintenance and rail equipment storage areas along the entire route.

FTA approves Honolulu rail project’s recovery plan

Earlier this month, the FTA approved the Honolulu Authority for Rapid Transportation (HART) recovery plan to deliver the 20.1 mile rail project, with a plan for completion by 2025. HART states that by 2030 “80 percent of the island’s jobs will be located along the rail corridor.” However, FTA’s letter also explained that the project will not receive any of the $744 million committed until HART can identify and finance the City Center procurement, anticipated to be awarded in January 2020.

Gulf Coast passenger rail receives $4.36 million R&E grant

The Southern Rail Commission will receive a $4.36 million grant from the US Department of Transportation and FRA. The grant is aimed at restoring passenger service between New Orleans, LA., and Mobile, Ala. Damage caused by Hurricane Katrina suspended service in 2005, and the Southern Rail Commission is working to see that service is restored.

FRA again delays rule on passenger railroad safety programs

The FRA has extended its stay on publishing a final rule that requires commuter and intercity passenger railroads to develop and implement system safety programs until March 4, 2020 . Previously, the deadline had been September 4, 2019, but in order to review all comments, the deadline was extended. Based off 13 comments in the last notice of proposed rule making, three included support of extending the stay, and one urged to be implemented immediately.

VTA receives FTA funding allocation for Silicon Valley extension

The FTA announced the allocation of $125 million to the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) for the Bay Area Rapid Transit (BART) Silicon Valley Phase II project in California. The $5.81 billion heavy-rail extension is the first to receive funding under FTA’s Expedited Project Delivery pilot program.

###

The NRC is a trade association representing businesses from across the nation in the rail construction and maintenance field. The NRC’s 425+ member companies range in size from small family businesses to the largest companies in the industry. NRC members perform work for transit, commuter, intercity passenger, industrial, and freight rail customers, with services including track construction and maintenance, grade crossings, signal and communications installation, bridge construction and repair, rail yard work, and many more. The NRC strives to put an emphasis on rail safety and quality while proudly serving the rail industry.